Book Review - Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

From Goodreads:

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.


This book has gotten so much rave. And I found it just okay. In fact, I like it a bit less than the author's other book I'd just reviewed last week - Fangirl.

There were parts that I quite like - the sweet memories of when you just started going out with your first love, how you felt kinda awkward and nervous and excited, how you just wanted to spend all the time together and didn't know what is okay or not okay to say because you didn't want him/her to think you are weird... yeah, the author captured those feelings quite well and you nodded as you remembered.

But I felt that the characters didn't quite develop, like Eleanor and Park's relationship started out of nowhere, and the ending had me baffled. It seemed like a chapter was missing.

I'd say it again though that Rowell's writing was easy to read, as I was able to finish it in just a couple of days. Which is not easy to do nowadays!

2.5 Stars.

Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Bait by J. Kent Messum

Bait by J. Kent Messum

From Goodreads:

No one is coming to your aid. We have ensured this.
 Six strangers wake up on a remote island in the Florida Keys with no memory of their arrival. They soon discover their common bond: all of them are heroin addicts. As the first excruciating pangs of withdrawal make themselves felt, the six notice a yacht anchored across open water. On it lurk four shadowy figures, protected by the hungry sharks that patrol the waves. So begins a dangerous game. The six must undertake the impossible—swim to the next island where a cache of heroin awaits, or die trying. When alliances form, betrayal is inevitable. As the fight to survive intensifies, the stakes reach terrifying heights—and their captors’ motives finally begin to emerge.


Jaws + Survivor + The Hunger Games -- this is a fast paced thriller full of gore and violence, and not for the faint of heart. It reminded me a bit of TV horror movies where they didn't censor any language or bloody gruesome scenes. 

I know some other reviewers weren't too thrilled with the language used (that it may be a bit offensive), but I had no problem with it since I am guessing the author was just trying to portray reality. While I am not usually into character driven novels, and do actually prefer plot driven novels, I DO wish the characters are more developed - the author provided a bit of back stories for each character, but I did not form any emotion or connection with any of them. I did not cheer for the good guys, or feel relived if something bad happened to the bad guys. 

I appreciate the message of the story, but I think the message would be stronger if it was delivered by characters we care about. Or at least grow to care, even if they may not be likable in the beginning).

2.5 Stars.


Note - A copy of the book was given in exchange for an unbiased review as part of the TLC tour. Check out the other tour stops to see what they think! I tend to be harsher than some other reviewers :)

Monday, August 26th:  Tiffany’s Bookshelf

Tuesday, August 27th:  Book Chatter

Wednesday, August 28th:  Tina’s Book Reviews

Thursday, August 29th:  Simply Stacie

Friday, August 30th:  Midnight Thrillers

Tuesday, September 3rd:  From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, September 4th:  No More Grumpy Bookseller

Thursday, September 5th:  Ageless Pages Reviews

Monday, September 9th:  Mental Foodie

Tuesday, September 10th:  You’ve GOTTA read this!

Thursday, September 12th:  Bewitched Bookworms

Monday, September 16th:  A Bookworm’s World

Tuesday, September 17th:  Literally Jen

Wednesday, September 18th:  October Country

Thursday, September 19th:  nomadreader.

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Awakened Leadership: Beyond Self-Mastery by Alan E. Shelton

Awakened Leadership: Beyond Self-Mastery by Alan E. Shelton

Transformational leadership books and processes have delivered us to the era of self-mastery. But how do we move from being effective leaders to being awakened leaders? By situating leadership in the nest of the seeker's journey toward truth, you can now stand on the shoulders of the visionaries who have come before, and become conscious of your own position within Source.

Leaving behind charts, maps, and graphs, “Awakened Leadership” is a portal to direct experience via pointers and personal stories that will help you recognize the gift of being who you really are. Then your leadership essence will effortlessly manifest not only in the boardroom, but in all facets of your life.

While I am not in a leadership role (as in, I don't have any direct reports) in my job, I do have to lead projects so I am often interested in learning about how to be a better leader. So when I was contacted to see if I was interested in reviewing this book, I said yes. 

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book when the author talked about his childhood, his mission trip to Peru, and building his business. However, he lost me when he went to India to become a Seeker to "seek the truth"... there were many talks of the ego... I was a psych major in college so the concept of the ego is not new to me. When I was reading about this journey, it reminded me a bit of the "Pray" part in Eat, Pray Love... I have no doubt that this was a significant journey in the author's experience, but perhaps to be enlightened, one really needs to experience it, and just can't read about it? Or maybe I am just not ready for this journey yet (my ego is in the way :) ) 

I do really admire the author's drive and passion - when he was my age, he was already a very successful business owner. So my review is NOT to say his thoughts of leadership is wrong, but that I didn't quite get as much out of it as I thought I would. Though now that I am a mother myself, I do agree wholeheartedly about this - "I realized that being a full-time father again meant that interests higher than my own needed to be served" - I definitely have to put myself aside and think for my son first. Maybe it is something I need to keep in mind when I lead others.

2.5 Stars. 

Author Bio:

Alan Shelton is a leader who colors outside the lines, a corporate executive

mentor with an entrepreneurial spirit and a gripping speaker who engages his audiences. 

With a reputation like that, it is no wonder that his book, “Awakened  Leadership: Beyond Self-Mastery,” has become so successful. Shelton graduated from Brigham Young  University (BYU) in Utah after completing missionary work in Peru. By 1977, Shelton had landed his first big gig in the corporate  world at PricewaterhouseCoopers, now PwC, where his clients included IBM, Sunkist, Beckman Instruments and Toyota Motor Sales. His journey continued through 1990  when he sold his CPA firm, Shelton, Smith and Townsend, and turned to leadership training. Since then, his client list has grown to include the University of San Diego,  Wrangler, VF Corp., The North Face, Celgene and many others.

“Awakened Leadership,” published by Red Hatchet Press in May 2012, has taken the 

leadership world by storm. The book is the winner of a 2013 National Indie Excellence 

Book Award as well as a 2012 USA Best Book Award.

Shelton advises and facilitates workshops for international businesses in Oceanside, 

Calif., where he lives in a refurbished fire station with his loving wife, Justine. He has 

two children, Kristin and Michael, who earned business degrees from the University of 

Southern California and the University of Arizona, respectively.

Awards:

Indie Excellence Winner 2013

USA Best Book Awards WInner

Book Information:

Hardcover $24.95

ISBN: 978-0984712502

Motivational, 220 pages

Red Hatchet Press, May 2012

Author Links:

Author Website: http://alanshelton.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5751092.Alan_E_Shelton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaneshelton

Twitter: @AlanEShelton

Note - A free copy was given to me from http://www.jkscommunications.com in exchange for an unbiased review




All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - No Way Back by Andrew Gross

No Way Back by Andrew Gross

From Goodreads:

No Way Back is a thrilling page-turner from Andrew Gross, the New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds and The Blue Zone. One woman is framed for a horrific crime, and desperate to prove her innocence.

A chance meeting with a stranger in a hotel ends in a shocking murder. Wendy Gould is an average mom--and the only witness. Nanny Lauritzia Velez knows a shocking secret that could prove to be deadly. Both of their lives in danger, this unlikely pair must work together against a network of dangerous men who want nothing more than to see them dead.

A fast-paced, riveting tale with strong, compelling characters, No Way Back is an edge-of-your-seat read with nonstop action and a complex mystery.



First time reading this author. It's okay, the characters weren't very memorable. The shocking secret didn't make me go ah-ha. It was a fast read, but there are better thrillers out there. The description above sounded better than the book...

I also got a little confused between two minor characters at first (I thought they were the same person, because one was named Ned, the other Neil), which consequently, made me confused about the time line.... Other reviews said the author's other books are better, so maybe I won't write him off yet.

2.5 Stars.




Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - XO (Kathryn Dance #3) by Jeffery Deaver

XO (Kathryn Dance #3) by Jeffery Deaver

The good - I haven't finished a non-baby related book for a while so I finished this book relatively quickly, since each chapter is short.

However, it doesn't live quite up to the usual Deaver standard... I was a bit disappointed in Kathryn Dance since she's the Body Language expert, but this book lack the technical details that I usually like in Deaver's books (some people though may like it better...) There were more music details than body language info, so that was disappointing for me.

The plot was just okay, the characters were just okay if not a bit cliche. The highlight was that my fav Deaver characters, Lincoln Rhyme and Ameila Sachs (from Deaver's other series, which is much more forensic focus) made a guest appearance - even though they just were mentioned in a few pages, but it was like meeting an old friend.

Overall, just okay. 2.5 Stars.

Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Title: What Alice Forgot
Author: Liane Moriarty 
Year: 2011
Page: 412
Genre: Fiction - Women

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
What would happen if you were visited by your younger self, and got a chance for a do-over?

Alice Love is twenty-nine years old, madly in love with her husband, and pregnant with their first child. So imagine her surprise when, after a fall, she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! she HATES the gym!) and discovers that she's actually thirty-nine, has three children, and is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce.

A knock on the head has misplaced ten years of her life, and Alice isn't sure she likes who she's become. It turns out, though, that forgetting might be the most memorable thing that has ever happened to Alice.

First Sentence:
She was floating, arms outspread, water lapping her body, breathing in a summary fragrance of salt and coconut.

My Thoughts:

• I read At Home With Books' review (see here). The premise sounded very interesting - I don't know what it is, but it seems like there are a lot of "memory loss" books out this year? E.g. Before I Go To Sleep, Forgotten (YA, I won a copy but haven't read yet). Well, I am definitely interested in memory loss books because the plot line can be so different for each story! A lot of room for creativity.

• I was hoping this was not going to be too chick-lit like. I read another review that said the first part was so-so, the second part was really good, and the last part was excellent. Nay. The general story line was not bad, but it was WAY TOO LONG. It would be a stronger story if it was shorter. The story was interesting enough that made you kept on reading to find out what happened, but the author deliberately made it longer, e.g. Alice might remember a fragment of someone or something, but nobody would tell her what it meant, they just told her she wouldn't want to know... it got old when it keeps happening.
  
• The story was mostly told in 3rd person about Alice, but it included Elizabeth's diary and Frannie's letters.The subplots about Alice's sister and grannie were also unnecessary - in fact, I don't even remember what happened to them now, a few months after I read this book.

•  One thing I did really like about the book - it made me evaluate my relationship with my husband - no, we don't hate each other and don't have any plans to separate at all, but we've definitely settled into the companion phase of the relationship, like an old married couple. Why couldn't we have sustained how we felt about each other when we first met, you know? We've become so comfortable with each other (not that it's a bad thing) that those "makes you heart races" moments become rare... I know it is normal for this type of relationship (learned enough from my college psych classes) but still, sometimes I miss the honeymoon phases.
  
• The story definitely did make me wonder what it'd be like if I were to lose 10 years of memories tomorrow...

• Another blogger review I read (see here) was wondering what some Australian slang mean, e.g. lollies, Freddo Frog. I am glad I haven't forgotten my Aussie slang :)

• Overall, the story was interesting, and the relationship about Nick and Alice seemed quite realistic. But it would be a much, much strong book had it been at least 100 pages shorter. And well, make it a bit less predictable. But that's the problem I have with most chick-lit or women's fiction.

Quote: 

It seemed truly frightening that it was only by sheer chance that she had met Nick. It could so easily not have happened, and then she would have had a shadowy, half-alive existence, like some sort of woodland creature who never sees sunlight. (p77)

I asked if you thought Sarah looked even more beautiful than usual that night, and you said, "Alice, I could never love anyone the way I love you,' and I laughed and said, "That wasn't the question,' but it was the question, because I was feeling insecure, and that's what you said. (p232)

But maybe every life looked wonderful if all you saw was the photo albums. (p291)

Overall Rating:

2.5 Stars. Would be a stronger book if it was shorter.


All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon

Title: Don't Breathe a Word 
Author: Jennifer McMahon 
Year: 2011
Page: 447
Genre: Fiction - Murder / Mystery / Thriller / Suspense

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):

On a soft summer night in Vermont, twelve-year-old Lisa went into the woods behind her house and never came out again. Before she disappeared, she told her little brother, Sam, about a door that led to a magical place where she would meet the King of the Fairies and become his queen.

Fifteen years later, Phoebe is in love with Sam, a practical, sensible man who doesn’t fear the dark and doesn’t have bad dreams—who, in fact, helps Phoebe ignore her own. But suddenly the couple is faced with a series of eerie, unexplained occurrences that challenge Sam’s hardheaded, realistic view of the world. As they question their reality, a terrible promise Sam made years ago is revealed—a promise that could destroy them all.

First Sentence:
If you are holding this book in your hands, you are one of the chosen.

My Thoughts:

• I read the author's other book, Dismantled: A Novel, and liked it fine (see review here). When I read about this new book from goodreads' newsletter, it sounded creepy enough that I wanted to give it a try! Isn't the cover haunting? 

• The story started out creepy as promised, and definitely kept you guessing until the almost the very end... then the ending, particular the last page, just confused the heck out of me that I still wasn't quite sure what happened? Maybe I am too linear that I don't like ambiguous ending. Such ending just does not provide enough closure for me.

• At 447 pages, this book probably was 100-150 pages too long. The story could have been faster-paced. 

• While I couldn't guess the minute details, I was able to guess the overall direction of the book. So when the twist was revealed, it lacked impact.

• [Spoiler] Also, they made it sounded like the name Elton was an important twist, but it was never explained? [/Spoiler]

• Overall, just an okay read... could have been better.

Quote:

Didn't everyone want that? Have a secret longing to be more special than the guy next door? Didn't everyone secretly wish there was another world you could find a doorway to, step inside, and become a queen? (p400)

Overall Rating:

2.5 Stars. Could have been shorter. The ending could have been better.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon

Title: Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale 
Author: Carolyn Turgeon
Year: 2011
Page: 240
Genre: Fiction - Fairy Tale

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
The story of two very different women, one mortal, one mermaid, and the clash between worlds best kept apart... It is a cold day at the end of the world when a young woman, a princess in hiding, looks out across a Northern sea and sees something she could not have seen. It looks...it can't be. It looks like a mermaid's tail. And, as she looks more closely, she sees that the mermaid is dragging a drowning sailor in her arms. Because, only hours before, another princess, the daughter of the sea queen, has decided to risk everything and take a look at the world above the sea: the world of mortals. And there she finds a storm, a shipwreck, a sailor, and sets in train events which will change both women's worlds forever.

First Sentence:
It was a gloomy, overcast day, like all days were, when the princess first saw them.

My Thoughts:

•  I read the author's first book, Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story, last year (see my review here) and enjoyed it - the execution could have been improved as parts of it were just too long and slow, but the surprising twist at the end was very satisfying (yes I still remember - it definitely had staying power). So when I read on All About {n}'s blog that the author had a new book coming out (see her review here), I knew I had to read it.

• You know, I never knew that the Disney version of Little Mermaid was different! I had only read the original version (in Chinese) when I was a child, and had never watched the Disney movie, so there was only one ending that I knew of, and this book was closer to that version than that of the Disney version. 

• I hardly remembered the details of the original Mermaid story (just the gist of it) so while reading this book, I had a hard time distinguishing what was a re-tell of the original story, and what was the author's new take of it. Because of my own expectation, I kept waiting for a brilliant twist to come along, but it never really arrived for me. It definitely didn't have as much of an impact as the first book. I thought there might be more "magical realism" in the story but it fell short.

• The characters also seemed a bit flat and too cliche, and that people just magically fell in love without much relationship development (maybe this was the magic?) I noted that I wished it would expand on Sybil more since she seemed to be the most interesting character - except now, four months later, I don't remember who Sybil is anymore...

• The cover is very pretty and I love the contrast between the blue-green background and the copper hair. BUT, I thought the main character had white blond "moon" hair?

• If the author has a new book published, I'd probably still read it. But I hope it has a more memorable twist. 

Overall Rating:

2.5 Stars. Liked the first book better.


All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: The Peach Keeper
Author: Sarah Addison Allen 
Year: 2011
Page: 273
Genre: Fiction - Magical Realism

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water’s heyday, and once the town’s grandest home—has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots.

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood—of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it.

For the bones—those of charismatic traveling salesman Tucker Devlin, who worked his dark charms on Walls of Water seventy-five years ago—are not all that lay hidden out of sight and mind. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families—and uncover truths of the long-dead that have transcended time and defied the grave to touch the hearts and souls of the living.


First Sentence:

The day Paxton Osgood took the box of heavy-stock, foil-lined envelopes to the post office, the ones she'd had a professional calligrapher address, it began to rain so hard the air turned a white as bleached cotton.

My Thoughts:

• Since I "discovered" Sarah Addison Allen this year and really enjoyed The Sugar Queen, I just had to read everything else by her! So when I found out her new book was coming out, I promptly reserved it at the library

• Isn't the cover so pretty and sweet - though I almost wish it didn't have the girl :) I love the falling flowers and the tree in the background. The title fits the story too

• I must say I was a bit disappointed with the story though - it just was a bit too predictable and the magic wasn't quite as magical. In fact, the magic seemed a little contrived. 

• The characters seemed a bit stereotypical. They were likable but none really stood out to me. [SPOILER] I also didn't quite understand how Paxton and Sebastian hit it off since they were never friends - I know the author tried to explain a little about that but the reason wasn't quite good enough [/SPOILER]. 

• I'd still read the author's next book. I read on her facebook page that she was going through chemo so I felt bad that I don't quite enjoy this book as much - but I admired her that she still has a book published while she is going through a lot in her personal life!

Quote:

"Superstitions are man's way of trying to control things he has no control over." (p7)

Happiness means taking risks. And if you're not a little scared, you're not doing it right. (p249)

Overall Rating:

2.5 Stars. Not bad, but not her best.


All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: The Girl Who Chased the Moon 
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Year: 2010
Page: 269
Genre: Fiction - Magical Realsim

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
In her latest enchanting novel, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen invites you to a quirky little Southern town with more magic than a full Carolina moon. Here two very different women discover how to find their place in the world…no matter how out of place they feel.

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. For instance, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? Why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew—a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life.

Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes.
Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth and in the hope of bringing back the love she fears she’s lost forever. In Julia, Emily may have found a link to her mother’s past. But why is everyone trying to discourage Emily’s growing relationship with the handsome and mysterious son of Mullaby’s most prominent family? Emily came to Mullaby to get answers, but all she’s found so far are more questions.

Is there really a ghost dancing in her backyard? Can a cake really bring back a lost love? In this town of lovable misfits, maybe the right answer is the one that just feels…different.

First Sentence:
It took a moment for Emily to realize the car had come to a stop.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• After I read The Sugar Queen (read my review here), I just wanted to read everything else but the author! I was still waiting to see if Garden Spells (the first book) would end up being a book club read, so I thought I'd try this one instead.

First thought:

• Not as good as The Sugar Queen...

Cover Art:

• It is okay... it goes with the story but not very inspiring. I like this version better.

Title:

• Fitting. Made you wonder why she'd chase the moon?

Writing:

• Still an easy read.

Plot:

• While still a magical realism story, it seemed a bit more far fetched and didn't quite did it for me

• Made you wonder if the main story is about Emily, or Julia? I kept thinking there would be this big secret but felt a bit left down

Characters:

• I liked both Emily and Julia fine... but it seemed both didn't get much development

• I thought Emily's grandfather was a bit of a waste in the story - it seemed like he'd play a bigger role and I wish we got to learn more about him better

Ending:

• It's okay, if not a bit predictable

Emotion:

• I kept waiting to be wow-ed.

What I Learned:

• I think I like magical realism only if it's realistic... kinda ironic, I know... 

PS:

• While the "magic" was explained, I wish it would go into a bit more details... 

Read this Author again?

• Yes I'd still keep reading the author's books!

Quote:

Everyone had left him because they'd hadn't been quiet enough to hear him. (p224)

Overall Rating:
2.5 Stars. Could have been better.

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee

Title: The Silver Metal Lover 
Author: Tanith Lee
Year: 1981
Page: 304
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Fantasy / Sci-Fi

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Love is made of more than mere flesh and blood....

Tanith Lee is one of the most thought-provoking and imaginative authors of our time. In this unforgettably poignant novel, Lee has created a classic tale—a beautiful, tragic, erotic, and ultimately triumphant love story of the future.

For sixteen-year-old Jane, life is a mystery she despairs of ever mastering. She and her friends are the idle, pampered children of the privileged class, living in luxury on an Earth remade by natural disaster. Until Jane's life is changed forever by a chance encounter with a robot minstrel with auburn hair and silver skin, whose songs ignite in her a desperate and inexplicable passion.

Jane is certain that Silver is more than just a machine built to please. And she will give up everything to prove it. So she escapes into the city's violent, decaying slums to embrace a love bordering on madness. Or is it something more? Has Jane glimpsed in Silver something no one else has dared to see—not even the robot or his creators? A love so perfect it must be destroyed, for no human could ever compete?

First Sentence:
I grew up with my mother in Chez Stratos, my mother's house in the sky.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• I was browsing in the library, and came upon a book called Metallic Love. I was going to try reading some fantasy/sci-fi type of books and this caught my eye - "the legend of their tragic romance lives on". It wasn't until I got home I found out that Metallic Love is #2 in a series, and that Silver Metal is #1, so I thought I'd better read the first book first.

First thought:

• Probably liked it better if I read it as a teen...

Cover Art:

• Not something I'd pick based on the cover, but fitted the story well. 

Title:

• Like the cover design, not something that'd attract me but fitted the story.

Writing:

• Easy to read. 

Plot:

• For a moment, I was a bit crept out - what, in love with a robot? Ummm... but as I was reading the book, it kept reminding me of Twilight. Well, if it's okay to have a relationship with vampires or werewolves, then why not a robot? This book was first published back in 1981, so definitely not copying Twilight's concept of the forbidden love.

• The story line was fine, I kept reading to find out what happened and didn't guess the ending. Though I felt like it's something I'd have enjoyed reading more as a teen when idealistic was more important that realistic :)

Characters:

• Jane, the main female protagonist, definitely reminded me of Bella in Twilight - at least in the crying and whining aspect :)
   
• And Silver, was just like Edward - he was more perfect than human! 

• I found Jane and Silver's relationship interesting though because Silver kept reminding Jane (and us) that he wasn't human, and won't experience the same emotion that human did, for example, he won't get hurt by the things Jane said. Made you wonder what it's like if we were emotionless

Ending:

• I liked how the story end. 

Emotion:

• I probably would have cared more about Jane/Silver had I been younger. I felt about them the same as I felt about Bella/Edward - I know others would be touched by their love but it was not the epic love story for me

What I Learned:

• I feel old as I read YA books :p

PS:

• I decided not to read Book 2. I didn't mind giving this a try, but that's enough robot love for me

Read this Author again?

• Would depend on the story. The author primarily writes fantasy / sci-fi /horror and they aren't my usual genre.

Overall Rating:
2.5 Stars. Not a bad read, just not really for me.

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern

Title: The Book of Tomorrow
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Year: 2009
Page: 320
Genre: Fiction - YA

FTC Disclosure: Free ARC from HarperCollins.com in exchange from an unbiased review

Summary (from goodreads.com):
The magical new novel from number one bestseller Cecelia Ahern. Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin.When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

First Sentence:
They say a story loses something with each telling.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• When HarperCollins asked if I want to review their Jan new release, I thought this book sounded very interesting - I mean, a book that'd tell you what happens tomorrow? At that time, I had no idea who Cecelia Ahern is. It wasn't until when I received the book, I noticed that it was the same author who wrote PS I Love You, which I just read not too long ago. This book didn't seem like a chick lit though so I was happy about that. 

First thought:

• So promising, but didn't quite live up to expectations... could have been shorter.

Cover Art:

• Pretty! Suited the story well

Title:

• Fitted the story also

Writing:

• I thought the writing has improved a bit since PS I Love You (hey at least the protagonist didn't GIGGLED 3 times on one page!), however, the beginning was a bit slow and confusing, and the protagonist tended to rambled a bit.

Plot:

• There was a bit of a twist in the end which wrapped up the story and I didn't see it coming so it was good to see something a bit different

• This was advertised as a YA book I think (main protagonist was under 18 years old) and there were some F-words used and some sex-related content (not graphic). Didn't bother me though

• My biggest disappointment though was about the this mysterious book itself - I thought it played such an important role, and yet I didn't think it was fully explained

Characters:

• Didn't like the main protagonist, Tamara, much. She was a brat, but did see her "grow up" a bit throughout the book

• My favorite character was Sister Ignatius - would have loved to meet someone like her in real life!

• Some of the minor characters weren't very developed... they just seemed to appear and disappear...

Ending:

• I like non-ambiguous ending, and so I thought the ending was not bad (except about the book.)

Emotion:

• I did want to find out what happened and so I kept on reading, but I didn't feel much emotion one way or the other. It was more about "let's find out what happened" rather than "let's find out what happened to Tamara".

What I Learned:

• Can't say I really learn anything new... but would like to learn more about castles in Ireland!

PS:

• I thought this was a new release (1/25/11) but I saw that it was actually published in 2009? Perhaps it was a new release in the US? Not that it mattered much...

Read this Author again?

• She's not a bad author, but her books are just not my genre. So I don't know if I would or not...

Quote:

He wasn't really trapped at all, he was just looking in the wrong place.(p10)

"Would you prefer to be given a life already lived too, Tamara? That way you can sit back and observe it. Or would you rather live one yourself?" (p92)

Overall Rating:
2.5 Stars - Not bad, but I think others would enjoy it more than I do. Didn't quite find it magical

 



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Title: Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Author: A.S. King
Year: 2010
Page: 326
Genre: Fiction - YA

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Maybe
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Vera’s spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she’s kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

Edgy and gripping, Please Ignore Vera Dietz is an unforgettable novel: smart, funny, dramatic, and always surprising.

First Sentence:
Before I died, I hid my secrets in the Master Oak.  

Why did I pick this book?
The Perpetual Page Turner's end of 2010 Survey (see here) said this is one of her favorite books in 2010. Since she also likes The Hunger Games and If I Stay, I thought I'd give this a try.


My thoughts:

• This is just okay to me... while I like Vera and can relate to her somewhat, the plot  / twists disappointed me. Seemed a bit predictable...

• I think it's tricky for me to read YA - there are definitely some YA I enjoy a lot, but then there are some that I am definitely not the right audience for. I guess I just need to pick more carefully in 2011...

• It was a fast read though, and the author's writing was easy to read.

• The book was written from 4 perspectives - Vera, her best friend Charlie, her dad, and The Pagoda (a place/location). Usually I enjoy reading books from multiple perspectives, but I wonder if we really need the Pagoda's perspective? I know there are books that made a place became a character too... but don't really get it in this book. Not sure if Vera's dad's perspective add much either. 

 
Rating: 2.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

Title: Loving Frank
Author: Nancy Horan    
Year: 2008  
Page: 400  
Genre: Fiction - Historical    

New to me author? Yes    
Read this author again? Not sure
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? Yes  
FTC Disclosure: Library bookclub bag  

Summary (from amazon.com):
Horan's ambitious first novel is a fictionalization of the life of Mamah Borthwick Cheney, best known as the woman who wrecked Frank Lloyd Wright's first marriage. Despite the title, this is not a romance, but a portrayal of an independent, educated woman at odds with the restrictions of the early 20th century. Frank and Mamah, both married and with children, met when Mamah's husband, Edwin, commissioned Frank to design a house. Their affair became the stuff of headlines when they left their families to live and travel together, going first to Germany, where Mamah found rewarding work doing scholarly translations of Swedish feminist Ellen Key's books. Frank and Mamah eventually settled in Wisconsin, where they were hounded by a scandal-hungry press, with tragic repercussions. Horan puts considerable effort into recreating Frank's vibrant, overwhelming personality, but her primary interest is in Mamah, who pursued her intellectual interests and love for Frank at great personal cost. As is often the case when a life story is novelized, historical fact inconveniently intrudes: Mamah's life is cut short in the most unexpected and violent of ways, leaving the narrative to crawl toward a startlingly quiet conclusion. Nevertheless, this spirited novel brings Mamah the attention she deserves as an intellectual and feminist.

First Sentence:  
It was Edwin who wanted to build a new house.

Why did I pick this book?    

April book club pick. While it is not a book I'd have picked on my own, I was looking forward to it as I love Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture (not that I know a lot about it, but just remember I like what I saw in pictures.)


My thoughts:

• It is hard for me to rate this book, so in the end I just gave it a 2.5 stars /  just okay / meh to me

• Before I forget, the main female lead (FLW's mistress)'s name is Mamah - pronounced May-mah. I kept thinking it's ma-ma.

• The reason I was conflicted on how to rate this book - on one hand, I like that the author took little pieces of history (that wasn't a lot about Mamah) and created a plausible story out of it, and I totally didn't see the ending coming (a historically true event, but I just didn't know about it - so if you plan to read this book, don't read about FLW on wikipedia!). The writing is a little slow though and I think the book could have been shorter (probably didn't help that the font was VERY SMALL - I wear glasses and in my early 30's but man, why couldn't they use a bigger font so people would at least won't be put off by it! That seriously was my first reaction when I opened the book). Anyway, on the other hand, I did NOT like the main characters, namely FLW and Mamah, AT ALL. While I am still amazed by FLW's artistic vision, I wouldn't want to live with him - he thought silverware was cluttered on a set table at meal time, until he was ready to use them! As for Mamah, there were decisions she made regarding her children that I just do not agree, and I don't even have children. Some may think she was a pioneer feminist, but I thought she was just selfish and self-centered. At the book club discussion, some mentioned that they made a good pair and deserved each other!

• So it wasn't quite the epic love story I was hoping to be... not that I think a story on adultery should have been about this great love, but at least it would have made it easier to understand why she did what she did...   

• I like the "conversation with Nancy Horan" section at the end - to learn why she decided to write the book. And I did learn a little more about FLW from this book

•  After reading it, I want to tour his houses!!! There are 3 of them in my town, though they are not vacant I don't think... supposedly you can see 2 of them just from driving past, but I want to see the inside! May have to pay a visit to Taliesin house in Spring Green WI (the place where the book ended.) There are some other houses of his that can be rented out too for the night - might be something fun to do in the future!

Quote:

"Tell her happiness is just practice," he (Edwin) said. "If only she acted happy, she would be happy." (p5)

"The measure of a man's culture is the measure of his appreciation," he (Frank) said. "We are ourselves what we appreciate and no more."

He (Frank) gestured out toward the horizon, where a clear sky bordered prairie grasses as far as the eye could see. "Eventually, I fell under the spell of the line out there. It was so simple: a huge block of blue on top of a block of gold prairie, and the quiet line between heaven and earth stretching endlessly. It felt like freedom itself to look at the horizon. I had been drunk on forms since I was a boy, and here was this simple line that expressed so much about this land." (p21)

To fare on -- fusing the self that wakes... and the self that dreams. (p88)

Rating:   2.5 Stars

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading 

Book Review - Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life by Ali Vincent

 














Title: Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life
Author: Ali Vincent
Year: 2009
Page: 192
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Not sure
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from amazon.com):
As the first female winner of TV's The Biggest Loser, Vincent lost 112 pounds, about 47% of her body weight. As she explains, she shed unhealthy habits and gained an enthusiastic approach to life. She writes, [I]t's an accomplishment that fuels all of my future goals. Vincent's story is one that will be familiar to readers: someone who, despite being an athletic, popular high schooler, by her early 30s was just kind of letting life happen to me—I didn't feel worthy of wanting anything more for myself. Once she became a contestant on the show (with her mother as her partner), she wanted to win; she shares her strategies for losing weight, navigating the show and engaging more in life. Readers looking to slim down will find lots of helpful tidbits. They're not revolutionary (don't let the scale rule your life, don't get in a workout rut), and though Vincent's penchant for platitudes can be grating, her earnestness and enthusiasm is clear. Includes recipes and before-and-after photos.

First Sentence:
My name is Ali Vincent, and I am the Biggest Loser.

Why did I pick this book?
While I have never Watched The Biggest Loser, I have heard of the show (and thought how clever its name is!). I need to lose some weight, so thought I'd read something to inspire me. Saw this book while browsing the library's new book online catalog.

My thoughts:

• This was just okay for me - while Ali's personality showed through, there isn't really anything ground breaking

• There are a few quotes I like from the book, but it wasn't as inspirational as I thought

• It seems like Ali goes from one addiction (emotional eating) to another (counting calories, exercising - at one point she went to the gym like 8 hours a day?!) 

• There also seems to be some repetitiveness of the message throughout the book 

• Don't get me wrong, I think she looks great and admire what she went through, but I think I may have liked watching the show better than reading the book

• There also aren't many pictures in the book either. There are a few recipes too but I didn't pay close attention or try them so can't comment on them.

Quote

I was a fat girl, and fat girls don't have their picture taken. I hadn't documented my life because I didn't want to look at it. (p17)

When I was overweight and felt stuck, I'd collect evidence that supported my excuses for why everything wasn't how I wanted it to be. I'd say, "oh, I just don't fit in," or, "I'm not being judged fairly." I was always looking to the negative to explain away my unhappiness. But as I lost the weight, I got into the habit of collecting positive evidence, of looking for all the reasons why I could succeed. (p97-98)

Feeling Stuck? You can either change what's making you feel stuck or change the way you think about it. Let's say you have a job you don't like, but you need it to pay your bills. Then learn to love the "why" of the job. You're supporting your family, which is a blessing! Find the positive in tough situations. Thinking this way is going to get you out of ruts. Collect evidence for the success in a situation. (p129)

Have you ever seen those T-shirts that say, "NO FEAR"? Well, my mom used to say they should read, "KNOW FEAR," because that's how you make dreams happen. When you have the courage to tell the truth about what you're really afraid of, fear doesn't have control over your life. (p144)

Rating:

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think!
I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Memorable Memoir

Book Review - Lottery: A Novel by Patricia Wood

Title: Lottery: A Novel
Author: Patricia Wood
Year: 2007
Page: 318
Genre: Fiction

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Maybe
Tearjerker? A little teary eyed
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary(from amazon.com):
Perry Crandall has an IQ of 76, but is not retarded, as he'll have you know: his IQ would need to be less than 75 for that, and he knows the difference even if others may not. Perry, the 32-year-old narrator of Wood's warm-fuzzy debut, has worked at the same marine supply store for half his life and lives with his wisecracking grandmother Gram, whose gems of folk wisdom help him along. But when Gram dies, Perry's selfish, money-grubbing family members swoop in and swindle him out of the proceeds from the sale of her house—and then come a-knocking again when Perry wins $12 million in the Washington State Lottery. Suddenly everyone is paying attention to Perry, but who can he trust? Even his friends from the marine supply store behave differently, and on top of everything else, Perry finds himself falling for convenience store clerk Cherry, who has problems of her own. Despite his family's shenanigans and sinister maneuverings, Perry holds his own and discovers abilities he didn't know he had. The wisdoms here run more cute than deep, but Wood's light humor and likable narrator should have mass appeal.

First Sentence:
My name is Perry l. Crandall and I am not retarded.

Why did I pick this book?
Someone recommended it on a reading forum. I thought it sounds promising

My thoughts:

• I think I am right that I need to avoid/skip/be cautious of book titles that said "A Novel" which seems to indicate they are more character driven novels... I like twists and surprises in the storyline (think Shutter Island, Sixth Sense)

• While the voice of the main characters were quite clear (I liked Gram best), the plot was rather flat and predictable for me. The wisdoms/insights displayed by Perry really weren't a-ha moments for me

• I did like the author's writing, and I think she did a good job using many "vocabulary" throughout the story as it plays a significant role in Perry's life

• I just wish there was more to the plot or that it's not as cliche. I think I read some reviews comparing it to Forrest Gump. Praises at the back of the book used words like "uplifting... tugs your heartstrings... memorable... lovable... surprising wisdom..." Instead, I felt a little sad, rather than feel-good, after reading it - I can't fully explain without giving spoilers though... 

Quote

"It is very important to think of your future, Perry," she tells me, "because at some point it becomes your past. You remember that!" (p5)

Rating:

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think!
I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading